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Cedar Point's Mantis Stand-Up Coaster To Be Permanently Shut Down

SANDUSKY, Ohio (CBS Detroit) - The once record-breaking Mantis will soon be no more.

Cedar Point announced Tuesday that the roller coaster — billed as the tallest, fastest and steepest stand-up roller coaster in the world when it opened on May 11, 1996 — will be shut down permanently on Sunday, Oct.19 at 8 p.m.

Featuring trains that secure guests in a standing position, Mantis provides its passengers with a unique ride experience, according to park officials.

Mantis was built by "the same legendary manufacturers" that brought guests the Raptor and GateKeeper roller coasters – Bolliger and Mabillard (B & M), park officials said in a media release.

"It's time to say goodbye to one of the park's coasters, and it's certainly been a different kind of ride for our guests," said Jason McClure, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. "But we're extremely excited about what the future holds here at the Roller Coaster Capital of the World™."

Why get rid of the ride? WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Cedar Point spokesman Bryan Edwards.

"We like to say our guests vote with their feet," Edwards said. "You know, we see what rides they go and ride and which coaster they go on...there's a lot of different factors that go into closing a coaster or closing a ride here... We're always looking to improve the park; always looking to add new and better things."

It's still unclear what steel sensation roller coaster enthusiasts should expect to see fill Mantis' spot.  Edwards said additional plans for CP's 2015 season will be announced at a later date.

"(Mantis) was a great roller coaster...in it's 18-year history it's given over 22 million rides,"  Edwards said. "So, definitely a popular coaster; but, again, we think our guests are going to be very excited about our plans for the future."

There's still time to take a final ride, or 10, on the Mantis. Cedar Point remains open on weekends through Nov. 2. [For specific dates and park hours, check the schedule HERE].

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